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Thursday, 17 August 2017

Before the summer began I wanted to do a little post each week about the fun things we had gotten up to. The week before the holidays started Parker got chicken pox so for the first two weeks of the holidays the girls then had chicken pox. Needless to say this has meant that we haven't really done anything.It kind of worked out well though. The weather was rubbish so because we were house bound we spent our time snuggling, watching films and just enjoying lazy days.There was one day when the girls weren't contagious and we managed to go get Paiges hair cut. She had an amazing 8.5 inches cut off. That was something on our summer bucket list that we managed to get ticked off very quickly.Parker has now finished nursery so I will have all three babies at home with me for the rest of the school holidays which I am so excited for.

We also managed to get most of Paige's new uniform for year 1 as well which is great to already have that all done and dusted!Have you had a good start to the holidays?Nicola Xx

Tuesday, 15 August 2017

Since last month we have started the summer holidays, Parker got chicken pox and then the girls after two weeks which meant we were contagious for about a month. Luckily the weather was awful so we enjoyed some lazy days, films and snuggles.

They are all now getting better and we've managed a day out at Blackpool and the weather was amazing!! I had hoped to take some lovely pictures on the beach but it was closed due to the air show, which was actually really cool.

The kids this months have loved all been together and playing. Harleigh is loving having her big brother and big sister at home. She loves playing with them and watching them. She is so close to crawling and they are loving helping her.

My pictures this month are just of them all in normal everyday life, capturing their relationships and how they interact with each other and I love them. They are getting harder and harder to capture pictures of them, Harleigh wants to crawl away, Parker doesn't want to entertain pictures at all and Paige is loving pulling silly faces!

We have a few weeks left of the holidays and I'm hoping for more days out, picnics and visiting family. Come on sunshine!

Thursday, 10 August 2017

Parker has now finished nursery. His last day was on Tuesday and I still can't believe it. I felt more emotional than I did when Paige finished. We love Parker's nursery and so does he. He really bonded with staff and made some lovely friends who he adores. Paige never really settled too well in her nursery so we didn't find it hard to leave.

First vs Last Day

He never once cried and has happily waved me off at the window surrounded by his friends each and every time I've taken him. He is one of the youngest but we are told he is very much one the leaders. When he walks into the room all the other children shout "PARKER" and run over to him. It is so lovely to see. He helps the other children to count and regularly takes charge and speaks up in group activities. I think having two siblings helps with that and helps his confidence, especially having two sisters!I know he will miss it greatly but he is really excited for pre school and so am I. He will be going 5 morning a week instead of 3 mornings and he really does need it. He is very bright and loves learning and doing things so pre school will keep him busy and get him ready for school next year. It's crazy to think that this time next year we will be getting him ready for school. His pre school is at Paige's school, the same one she went to, but he doesn't have to wear a uniform or anything.He is growing up so quickly. I think because he speaks so well and is quite clever we often do think of him as more of a similar age to Paige when in reality he is 2 years younger than her.We are so proud of him and so excited for him to start his journey on the road to school!How did you feel when your little one left nursery?Nicola Xx

Tuesday, 8 August 2017

Improving and decorating our house is something that i'm currently really trying to focus on. It does feel like our home but because we rent I never really added any little touches to make it feel much more personalised. I'm not really sure what changed but now I really want to add bits and pieces to help it feel more like ours.I wanted to start with upstairs just because I felt like it will be cheaper and easier than downstairs, we have a horrible carpet in the front room that will need replacing! When Linens Limited reached out I couldn't wait to pick out a few things to help us along the way.

The bathroom seemed a good place to start. For the bathroom we had horrible blue accessorises, I'm talking about a bright blue shower curtain and blue fish toilet seat! It wasn't the most attractive thing. The first thing I picked out was the lovely plain cream shower curtain. A complete bargain at £4.95. It brightens up the bathroom so much and doesn't leave a horrible blue shadow over the whole room. It was very easy to switch over from the old one and is lovely quality and a fantastic price. We have since then got a new white toilet seat and some white storage. I am still working on finding some prints for the wall but once I've finished I will give you a little tour.

Next up was the main bedroom. We really need a new mattress but they are quite expensive and to be honest we can't afford right now so I thought the Limited Linens Memory Foam Mattress Topper would be ideal. Once it arrived I unpacked it and laid it out on the bed to flatten and plump up. Once it had I simply popped it on top of the old mattress, placed a sheet on top and we were ready to go. The topper is the most comfortable thing I've ever laid on. I was a little unsure of how I would like it and just how comfortable it would be but it is amazing and really worth the money if you need a new mattress but can't quite afford, this topper is a lovely middle ground. It is 2 inches thick, hypoallergenic and really does support your body whilst you slept. We have found that after a few nights sleep the mattress tends to move around a little off to one side, maybe the addition of straps to secure it to the mattress would be a nice improvement.

I'm wanting to get some new decorative pillows and sort out my desk and then once I do I will share a little bedroom tour too. How did you feel decorating if you live in a rented house?Nicola Xx*Disclaimer - The above items were sent to me for the purpose of this review but all views and opinions are my own*

Wednesday, 2 August 2017

Paige has the most wonderful hair, it's gorgeous! Ever since she was little she's had loads of hair. On her second birthday it was already past her shoulders. Its lovely and thick too which is great in terms of hair but can be a nightmare when its super long. She had about 5 inches cut off last year she loved it!

It's got to the point where it's just too much hard work and is far too hard to handle. It would take us an hour to wash and dry it, which included about 10 minutes of just brushing.

We decided a cut would be the best thing. I still wanted it long enough to plait for when school starts again but it needed to be manageable. When it was super long Paige could never wear it down because it would just get everywhere but she loves wearing it down. I didn't want to go too short as I didn't want to shock Paige, she said she wanted it like mine!

She had around 8/9 inches off in the end which is crazy! Her hair is still long after cutting, so it's crazy just how long it really was.She loves it and I am so happy with how much easier it will be for me to manage. Nicola Xx

Monday, 31 July 2017

What a month?! Parker got chicken pox this month which made for a very boring, very dull month! Just what we were hoping for, not! The girls also have it now too so thats our summer sorted :(School finished this month for Paige ready for summer, Parker finishes in August. So far we spent the beginning of the holidays contagious. We did have some lovely lazy family days at home but we want to get out and about as much as possible in August. Please let that happen!

This months pictures were taken right at the beginning of the month, before chicken pox hit. We had a lovely sunday in the park on mine and Marks 10th anniversary. I can't believe we've spent 10 whole years together and made 3 wonderful babies.Nicola Xx

Thursday, 27 July 2017

Another month over and another mummy and me. I do love doing these pictures but in all honestly I could of skipped this month without a thought. We've had a pretty rubbish month which is summed up in two words... chicken pox! Parker came down with chicken pox and was contagious for about 2 weeks. The girls still haven't had it but there is still time for it to come out, we might be in for a rubbish August too! This along with the rubbish weather and we haven't done much this at all this month, most of our time was spent on the sofa so I thought that was the perfect place to have our mummy and me pictures this month.

The kiddos are just getting so big. Paige has finished school for summer and will be going into year one in September. Parker will finish in a couple of weeks and I get all three of my babies at home for just over 3 three weeks and I can't wait. Harleigh is getting so big and looks huge on these pictures which makes me so sad.Nicola Xx

Tuesday, 25 July 2017

Toys are a big part of life when a baby is growing. They can help them learn, develop and understand things. We already love Leap Frog so we knew that we would love Scout's Count and Colours Band.

Scout's Count and Colours Band is a cute, colourful toy that is suitable from 6-24 months. There are five different instruments which move to help develop fine motor skills. One small change I would make would be that the red drum twist all around rather than pushes down, just because the orange cymbal pushes down too. The guitar twists but only to the right so i think one that twisted the other way or all the way round would be better than another one that just pushed down.

On each instrument there are numbers 1-5 which are great for when they become interested in learning the numbers written down. There are three different modes and depending which you pick different things happen. Harleigh loves the music one as then depending which instrument you press that genre of music will play. There is also a numbers and colours one.

Scout also lights up and bops his head along with the music which Harleigh loves. The toy is also quite a nice size. Harleigh can pick it up and play with the toy by herself but it isn't too small that chubby baby hands struggle to play. She also likes to chew on Scouts ears, poor doggy!

Learning toys are my favourite as a parent. This one in particular teaches cause and effect, colours and numbers. Even Parker likes playing with it and he is 3! A great little toy to add to the collection.Nicola Xx*Disclaimer - We were sent the above item for the purpose of this review but all views and opinions are my own*

Friday, 21 July 2017

Today is Paige's last day of reception. I can't believe that she has finished her first ever year of school. It has gone so quickly. She has grown and changed so much over the past year. Her confidence has grown. She can read and write so well now. Her speech has also developed. Paige got a fantastic first report and we are so proud of her. She is doing really well in all areas of school and is exceeding at most things.

Last day of reception

First day of reception

I am so excited for the summer holidays and to spend some quality time with Paige, school makes time pass so quickly during the week and it isn't always easy to spend quality time together. Paige is going to love year one so much. She is so excited about her new teacher and gets to move classes with all her current friends which I know makes her super happy, she's made some great friends!I'm just so sad that she is growing up so fast.Nicola Xx

Wednesday, 19 July 2017

Are you a parent that is constantly picking up after your child? Too embarrassed to invite friends over because the house looks like a bomb has hit it? Why does it all have to be so difficult?Well, the simple answer to that is that it doesn’t. Yes, children can be messy little creatures, but keeping a tidy house can be as simple as your ABC’s. All that you have to do is to be smart with the layout and design of your home and everything else will fall into place.

Easy to Clean SurfacesThe first step to becoming a smart homemaker is to ensure that you have easy to clean surfaces in your home. This means dining tables that can be wiped down instead of a cover that requires washing, and non-fabric furniture that doesn’t stain.Leather furniture is obviously very expensive, especially when bought brand new, which is why many opt for faux leather instead. It looks like leather, it even feels like leather, but it is nowhere near as expensive. The main difference, however, is that it is not as durable as the real thing, but there are certain steps that you can take to stop the surface from cracking.Be Smart with your GardenThe garden is a hotbed for child activity. They come out here to play and, when they walk back inside for meals, you just know that there is going to be an almighty clean-up operation needed. So what can be done to combat the mess outside?Outside storage options are a parent’s best friend, and can be used to store away garden equipment if there is not enough room in the shed - a win-win situation all around. Dedicate one or two storages boxes for toys that live outside, and encourage the kids to pick them back up and put away before coming back inside if they are finished playing.With these in place, you will be able to sit back and revel in the tidiness of your garden, perhaps from the private sanctuary of glass decking to add a modern element.Cluttered StaircasesNot only do toys and other objects on the stairs make the place look a mess, they are also a major health and safety hazard. Hopefully, your children know better than to leave toys and gadgets on the staircase and other parts, but if they can be prone to this then action needs to be taken.Many homes use the space underneath the stairs as storage space, which can often become highly cluttered and incredibly unorganised. If you are guilty of this, it is time to go through this space and throw away anything and everything that no longer has a use. You will be surprised at the amount of space that can be saved.With the extra storage space, depending on how much room you have to begin with, you can invest in stackable boxes that can easily be used to pick up wandering objects and put away nicely. This can also be useful when looking to save boxes for any electrical devices that you have recently bought in case you have to take them back (as some suppliers can be funny if you haven’t got the original box).

Get them CleaningHow do you encourage the kids to help you clean? Turn it into a game by offering a reward for who can clean their room the fastest. If children are getting something out of it, other than a tidy room, then you can be sure that they will be eager to get to work.As you can see, you do not have to pick between having children and keeping a pristine home as both are possible if you are smart about.*Guest Post*

Tuesday, 18 July 2017

Only FOUR months to go until Harleigh is one. That really is crazy! I want to cry! I can't believe how quickly time is passing.

No new teeth but her two bottom ones are getting so big now. Weaning is going well and we are still doing a mixture of puree and baby led weaning. Harleigh is still having two meals a day and seems content for now.

Harleigh is still trying so hard to crawl. She still hasn't figured it out. She is so close to getting onto all fours but just has that last little bit to go, she is getting so so close. She enjoys rolling around more now and is very mobile even without crawling. She looks like she could be trying to figure out how to pull herself up, she sits there and you can see her little brain working. I wonder if she will work it out soon.Nicola Xx

Saturday, 15 July 2017

Yet another month has flown by. I can't believe. Since last month we have celebrated Parker turning three!! He is so big now. Not too much else has happened in the past month. The weather was rubbish and we still haven't managed any nice summer days out, unless the park and ice cream counts! We have had a few nice trips to see family and friends though but I can't wait to visit the seaside. The summer holidays are coming up!

This months pictures were hard. Harleigh does not want to stay still and the kids weren't int he mood for picture either. Hopefully next month we can get out and about more and get some better pictures.

Thursday, 13 July 2017

We recently had a stay and play session at Parkers new nursery. It was just an hour session and I stayed with him. I left Harleigh at home with my best friend while she napped.

He absolutely loved his stay and play session. He didn't want to leave. He loved playing with all the toys and meeting his new classmates. He met his new teachers and we know them from when Paige went so that is so lovely that we already have a relationship with them. They were wonderful with Paige and I know that Parker will be in good hands.

We weren't sure if we should move him from his current nursery or not. He does love it there and his teachers are amazing. He could stay there until school next year, he would of just needed to move up a class. We decided that moving him this year instead of next would be better for school. We are really hoping he gets into Paiges school next year, we can even apply in September! Him going to the nursery school means that just like Paige he can get used to the school and the surroundings which I think is the best thing.

In a way he seems so much older than Paige did at this age. He talks so much and is so clever. He will love learning more at nursery.Next up we have a home visit in September and then another stay and play, more with me and then he starts on his own!I am so excited for him. When he does start he will be going every morning for 3 hours.Nicola Xx

Tuesday, 11 July 2017

Harleigh is 7.5 months and we are right in the middle of weaning. Everything is going well so far and we are doing a mixture of baby led weaning and purees. We've done the same with Paige and Parker and have really loved it. Both Paige and Parker much preferred puree but we had no idea what Harleigh would like.I was really excited to try make my own puree for Harleigh as I didn't with Paige and Parker. When Paige was at weaning age I tried once to make my own puree and she hated it so I gave up and never tried with Parker.

We recently tried out the Beaba Babycook. The Babycook is a great product that prepares fruit, vegetables, meat and fish in less than 15 minutes. You can use the machine one handed. It has a stainless steel water reservoir and a patented steam heating system. It is small enough to store but looks equally as good sat on the counter top. Also included is a spatula, mixing lid and recipe booklet.The Babycook is really easy to use and you can cook and make food, blend and reheat all in one machine.I mainly use the Babycook to cook and make food and blend it up. To do this is really quick, simple and easy. Firstly open up the Babycook using the black button on the top of the machine.

You then use the numbers on the side to measure the amount of water needed to steam the ingredients. This information is found in the booklet where it breaks everything down.

Then add your food into the basket that needs to be cooked. Today I did sweet potato and carrot which is one of Harleigh's favourites. The buttons are really simple too. There is one main button that does two things. You press the button in to steam and turn it to blend. Once pressed the machine also lights up.

The machine beeps to let you know that its finished and the light then flashes. Then empty the contents into the main machine ready to blend. I tend to leave the steamed water which drains into the blender part during the steaming process. For Harleigh this makes the perfect consistency.

Then simply turn the button and blend it up. You can then use the spatula to scoop out the food. It can then be frozen or kept in the fridge.

I really loved using the Babycook to make food for Harleigh and next I want to try adding meat in as i'm yet to try using meat. Its such a great little machine to have and is very handy having everything all in one place.Have you ever made your own baby food?Nicola Xx

*Disclaimer - I was sent the above item for review, all views and opinions are my own*